When is the last time you thought of something you were grateful for? Often times we get caught up in what isn’t exactly perfect in our lives and forget to be thankful for what is going right.

Since it’s so easy to fall into that pattern, I decided to start a series of posts about gratitude. In the TED Talk I recently watched, Shawn Anchor suggests that you think of 3 things you’re grateful for each day. I usually do this when I wake up in the morning, but I want to take it a step further and share my gratitude with you all every Sunday. I would love for you to join me and tell me what you’re grateful for in the comments as well!
Showing gratitude is one of the most effective ways to reduce anxiety, depression, anger, and many more negative or “below the line” emotions.

Do you sometimes feel like you’re still in high school worrying about what others may think of you? One of the first steps in freeing yourself from this trap is to learn to let go of the fear of judgment and know that you’ll only be happy if you live your life the way YOU want to live it. Choose your own goals, activities and actions and don’t get caught up in taking on other peoples’ likes and dislikes. Be comfortable with who you are and know that you are making the right decisions, regardless of what other people may believe.

While it’s important to be open to advice and the constructive opinions of your close family and friends, trying to please everyone will only burden you and ultimately not lead to anyone’s happiness.

Remember: What makes you unique is what makes you beautiful. Stay in the present, live your life without regrets, and do what makes you happy.

Have you ever gotten caught in the trap of worrying what other people think about you? How have you freed yourself from it? Let me know in the comments!

Have you taken control of your happiness? Happiness comes from altering your habits and your way of thinking. Here are 5 habits that will help you stay happy:

1. Meditate – Do you want to be more calm, peaceful, and happy? Meditation reduces tension & stress, builds self confidence, enhances energy, reduces anxiety, and so much more.

2. Read or Watch Something Funny – While the science of laughter is in its early stages, we do know that laughter triggers healthy physical changes in the body like strengthening your immune system, diminishing pain, and boosting your energy.

3. Pet an Animal – Research by Psychology Todayindicates that pets provide meaningful social support for owners. They found consistent evidence that pet owners exhibited greater self-esteem, were less lonely, and were less fearful than non owners. Even if you don’t have your own animal, petting someone else’s animal can help ease your stress.

4. Practice an Act of Kindness – Pay for the person’s coffee behind you, give someone a compliment, lend someone your umbrella, smile at a stranger, give a happy note…The possibilities are endless. Two recent studies suggest that giving to others makes us happy – even happier than spending on ourselves!

5. Talk to a Friend – Happier people tend to have supportive relationships with their family and friends. Professor Toni Antonucci says “Relationships help people feel that they’re worthy, that they are capable, that they can set goals and accomplish them, and that they can control their life.”

Do you practice any of these happy habits? What other habits have you adopted that you’ve found make you happy? Let me know in the comments!